Abstract

This research aimed to identify and analyze intervention approaches to remediate Proximal and Distal Interphalangeal (PIP/DIP) joint capsule stiffness and was performed to inform practice of hand therapists in an outpatient occupational therapy (OT) clinic. The treatment protocols were analyzed according to practicality for the practice and overall efficacy. Ten databases were searched to collect appropriate data based on a specific predetermined list of search terms. Articles were examined against specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and sixteen were eventually selected for analysis. Six different intervention strategies emerged from the research including occupation-based practice, electromagnetotherapy, technology-assisted therapy, orthoses, and preparatory methods/modalities. No evidence was found to support one specific intervention strongly over another, rather each had a set of circumstances such as the type of hand condition and/or diagnosis that would warrant the use of that protocol. This suggests that it is important for practitioners who treat PIP/DIP joint capsule stiffness to be aware that there are a multitude of different treatment options available. Selecting one to use with a client will require clinical consideration of their client factors, disease/diagnosis factors, as well as clinic factors such as resources or therapist qualifications.

Publication Place

Tacoma, Washington

Publisher

University of Puget Sound

Project Chairperson

Chih-Huang Yu, PhD, OTR/L

Publication Date

5-2019

Genre

Capstone Project

Format

PDF

Language

English

Degree Program

Occupational Therapy

Degree Level

Master of Science

Discipline

Occupational Therapy

School

University of Puget Sound

Additional Files
CaldwellMcNuttNguyenCover.pdf (44 kB)
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